HAMILTON, New Zealand, Feb 13, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - All-rounders Ruan de Swardt 
and Shaun von Berg used "hard graft" to lead a South African rearguard on 
Tuesday as they reached 220-6 after New Zealand had dominated the start of 
the second Test.

De Swardt reached his maiden half-century and was 55 not out at stumps on day 
one. The 37-year-old Von Berg was 34 on his Test debut, with the pair having 
put on an unbroken 70 off 27 overs at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

South Africa won the toss but were 64-3 at lunch and tottering at 150-6 early 
in the final session after David Bedingham was dismissed in freakish fashion.

After losing in Mount Maunganui by 281 runs, an understrength South Africa 
must win to avoid becoming the first team from their country to lose a Test 
series to New Zealand.

De Swardt, who had been one of six Proteas debutants in the first Test, 
showed the specialist batsmen how to survive in a gritty 135-ball knock.

He received support from veteran leg-spinner von Berg, who was finally given 
an international opportunity after playing 135 first-class matches.

"It was quite hard graft out there," de Swardt said.

"I thought the New Zealanders bowled pretty well but for me it was just about 
getting stuck into them, having that mental toughness and keeping going.

"There's still quite a bit in the wicket so if we can bat well tomorrow, get 
past 300, 350, we're definitely in with a chance."

The pair halted a mini-collapse either side of the tea break inspired by 
Rachin Ravindra, who took 3-33.

Ravindra, who scored 240 in the first Test, underlined his all-round talent 
by removing Zubayr Hamza for a painstaking 20 off 99 balls and Keegan 
Petersen for two.

His left-arm spin then accounted for the unfortunate Bedingham, on 39, whose 
leg-side flick struck the top of his shoe and flew to close-in fielder Will 
Young.

South Africa made a dreadful start when makeshift opener Clyde Fortuin was 
dismissed for nought first ball in the second over, caught brilliantly in the 
gully by Glenn Phillips off Matt Henry.

Pace bowler Will O'Rourke took a wicket on debut when he had captain Neil 
Brand trapped leg before for 25 midway through the first session.

Raynard van Tonder was then out for 32 just before lunch, caught at gully 
after failing to get on top of Neil Wagner's short delivery.

"It was probably a little slower, the wicket, than what we were expecting," 
said O'Rourke.

"We strangled them really well. I think we're happy with the day."

South Africa strengthened their spin attack by picking von Berg and recalling 
off-spinner Dane Piedt for his first Test in four years.

They replaced opener Edward Moore and seamer Duanne Olivier.

For New Zealand, the 22-year-old O'Rourke replaced Kyle Jamieson, who had 
back pain following the first Test.

Veteran seamer Wagner was recalled in place of spinner Mitchell Santner, 
while Young replaced batsman Daryl Mitchell, who was ruled out with a foot 
injury.